1. Introduction

1.1 The task

The State Services Commission (SSC) is charged by the government with developing an integrated strategy to employ the advantages of modern electronic communication techniques to improve the service offered by government [ 'Government' in this context includes local and central government as well Crown-owned companies and other governmental agencies.] to citizens.

This "E-Government" Strategy has a number of facets but the needs and capacities of ordinary New Zealanders are a critical part of the design.

The SSC has commissioned NZIER to undertake a small initial test of the need by looking at the Levin community.

1.2 This report

This report contains the result of that consultation.

The shape of the report is as follows:

• Description of the approach and method;

• Overview of Levin, in the context of the New Zealand setting;

• Picture of present pattern of communication with government;

• Potential for improvement - including the role of e-government strategy;

• Other salient results from consultation;

• Conclusions

• Annexes